We would like to shine a light on the lesser known charities in the island.

Our next charity is A Little Piece of Hope (Charity 1114), which is dedicated to helping bereaved families and sick children.

We spoke to founder Helen Walmsley from the charity about why they formed, and the work they do across the island.

Helen said: ’We started in 2012, originally to support bereaved parents who have lost children aged 21 or under with financial support towards the cost of headstones and funerals.

’In 2014 we added to our constitution and started funding the costs not covered by patient transfers for families with sick children in hospital to travel over to the UK, and with hospital expenses.

’We also started our ’Smile’ workshops for children suffering anxiety and our ’Secret Santa: Do You Know a Superhero Child’.

’Last October (9 to 15) we had a stand for Baby Loss Awareness Week in the Strand shopping centre.

’This is now in its fourth year.

’[The week is held] to remember babies gone to soon we also held the annual wave of light on October 15 - a worldwide event (in its fifth year on the island) - and we worked in conjunction with Arlo’s Adventure and the bereavement midwives at the hospital, to create a wave of remembrance that week.

’On November 13 we held our second Heroes of Mann awards, Celebrating Children’s Champions on the island. There are 17 categories.

’Chief Minister Alf Cannan MHK was in attendance.

’In December, we hold our Secret Santa: Do you Know A Superhero Child?

’We invite people to nominate courageous children, children with disability or illness, children who are young carers or who face battles, to receive a gift of their choice, a medal and a personal santa visit or invite to one of our parties.

’We have spent more than £23,000 over the 2020-2021 period on items of equipment, one to one therapy with Horizons Independent Social Work, on hospital travel and bereavement support.’

You can find out more about A Little Piece of Hope and their work at: www.alittlepieceofhope.com

You can donate to the charity via their website, and hear more about their upcoming events.

l If you would like to see your charity featured, please email [email protected]